A Note From the Pastor: July 13, 2025

Not long ago, a parishioner lamented to me, wishing that there was more going on at our parishes (opportunities to learn about our faith, etc.). I agree. Having been at St. Philomena and St. Thomas for a year now, in my observation, there seems to be more going on, more opportunities for the Spanish-speaking communities of our parish, and thus greater engagement.

As Isabel Gomez has now begun her retirement, and as Deacon Abel Magaña has now begun serving as Pastoral Assistant for Hispanic Ministry (for both parishes), I trust that we will continue to have programs, events and learning opportunities. But for the English-speaking communities, we can (and need to) do more.

In recent weeks, we’ve created some opportunities. We’ve advertised them and made them known, but there has been very little response from our parish communities.

• On the morning (and then again, in the evening) of Thursday, June 12th I taught a class on Praying the Liturgy of the Hours. About five people showed up in the morning, and ten in the evening.

• Then on the evening of Thursday, July 3rd I presented on Making a Religious Pilgrimage. Fifteen people showed up.

• Also, we invited both parishes for a patronal feast event that occurred last Thursday evening: a bilingual Mass on the Feast of St. Thomas, which was preceded by the Rosary and followed by an ice cream social. From our two parishes combined, roughly forty people attended.

Coming up this week (Thu, July 10th), we have an event at St. Philomena that we’ve been advertising: A Dominican Priest, Father Lawrence Lew (who perhaps you’ve seen on EWTN). Father Lew will present on the theological depth of the Rosary, and its powerful connection to the virtue of hope.

Then, starting on July 17, I will present on consecutive Thursdays, a 6-part series on understanding and nurturing marriage. Whether you are newly married couple (or long married), or hope one day to be married, I believe you would benefit from it. To be sure, in our culture, the meaning of marriage needs to be rediscovered. I will present at St. Thomas at 10:00am and then at St. Philomena at 6:30pm. Call if you have questions about program details.

Also, upcoming, the patronal feast for St. Philomena. We will have a bilingual Mass at 6:30pm, preceded by the Rosary (6:00pm) and followed by a reception.

We are currently planning three events for later in the summer/early fall: a family movie night; an evening of Adoration and music (including Benediction); and a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (followed by Bingo). Additionally, we are working on some Adult Faith Formation opportunities for the fall.

We have a responsibility to provide these opportunities, but parishioners must do their part too: please show up.

Yours in Christ,

Father Todd O. Strange